November 9 – Willacy County recognized that the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic created an unprecedented negative economic impact on businesses around the globe. To provide financial relief to impacted local businesses, the Willacy County Judge’s Administration created the COVID-19 Emergency Small Business Grant Program. The program was a collaborative effort between the Willacy County Judge’s Administration and Prairie View A&M University’s Cooperative Extension Program Community and Economic Development Agent, Megan Guerrero. This program was designed to help fund businesses or programs that creatively addressed a need to create, enhance, restore, or protect their Willacy County-based small business.
A total of $97,580 were allocated to the fund through the Willacy Counties coronavirus relief funds. This program provides grants ranging from $2,500-$5,000. The funds can be used to launch an online presence, replenishing inventory, delayed utility payments, rent for the business property, as well as PPE and sanitation supplies/equipment. During the development of the program, CED agent Megan helped create the application and intake process.
Guerrero contacted and provided consultation to multiple businesses and assisted with the submission of 14 complete applications. If the funds are not fully exhausted, the county may continue its partnership with the Cooperative Extension Program to reopen the program for more applications and the 2nd round of funding.
Source: “Willacy County CARES Small Business Grant Program.” The CEP Headlines. October 2020, pg. 3.
Megan Guerrero
Community and Economic Development Extension Agent
mrguerrero@pvamu.edu
(956) 689-2412